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Naz Reid's value apparent just three games into Hornets' season
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- Naz Reid's value apparent just three games into Hornets' season
Naz Reid's value apparent just three games into Hornets' season originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Charlotte Hornets ' decision to trade LaMelo Ball was certainly bold, but getting back Naz Reid was a savvy move.
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Reid was beloved as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves and was arguably the best sixth man in the NBA over the last few seasons. Reid played key roles in Timberwolves playoff teams, coming up big when the lights shone the brightest.
Now in Charlotte, Reid has already shown why he is such a valuable player. In the Hornets' big win over the Miami Heat on Saturday, the veteran came up huge with 23 points and nine rebounds.
For the Hornets to have another competitive season, Reid will need to be a steadying presence to help replace Ball's offensive production. It's only been three games, but Reid's performance has shown why he could play that role for Charlotte.
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Here's a look at Reid's early production this year.
Naz Reid's start to the 2026-27 season
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Games: 3
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MPG: 31.7
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PPG: 20.0
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RPG: 8.7
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APG: 3.0
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FG%: 47.2
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3P%: 46.2
Through three games, Reid's averages are career highs across the board, which isn't a total surprise. Reid has already started all three games for the Hornets, matching his total from last season with the Timberwolves.
Thus far, Reid is playing over 30 minutes per game, which he has not done in any of his first seven seasons in the NBA. His 20 points and 8.7 rebounds per game would both be career-best numbers, and he is both taking and making more 3-pointers than ever before.
Besides the production, Reid is providing veteran leadership that is crucial for a young team like the Hornets. After Charlotte beat the Heat, which followed a disappointing loss, Reid spoke about using those games as preparation for the playoffs already.
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"Having that resiliency to go out and do what we did last night, lay an egg, and then tonight compete at the highest level. Go out there and produce and make plays happen, be together... getting the crowd involved," he said. "That's gonna be huge come playoff time."
The Hornets' surprising season last year ended in disappointment when the young team played high-stress basketball in the Play-In Tournament. Reid is no stranger to that type of environment, and it's clear he's already embracing a role as the veteran leader.
